Two Types of Therapy Seniors Receiving Home Care Might Need

Home Health Care in West Des Moines, IA

In-home care services might be different depending on how much a senior can do on their own. Many senior care services includes help with housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, and transportation. Other families utilize these types of services to give themselves a time of respite if they are generally the primary caregiver. Still others require help bathing, going to the bathroom, and other types of physical assistance. While these are all great services, some seniors also require different types of therapy which can be done in the home.

Physical Therapy

This type of therapy largely focuses on gross motor skills and includes helping seniors move around better. Physical therapy may also help to relieve pain, restore range of motion, and make activities such as walking and climbing stairs easier to do. Physical therapy helps those receiving elder care to live as independently as possible. This type of therapy is especially advantageous for seniors experiencing following:

Chronic pain

Osteoarthritis

Alzheimer’s Disease

Vertigo

Recovering from certain injuries

Recovering from surgery

Many physical therapists provide in-home services and will set up a treatment plan with goals they want the patient to achieve. Techniques they use will help to improve flexibility and strength. Many incorporate using hot or cold packs, massage, stretching, and electrical stimulation into their treatments.

Occupational Therapy

This type of therapy is different than physical therapy as it focuses on the fine motor skills and helps seniors do tasks such as use an eating utensil, write with a pen, and use self care items such as a toothbrush. Occupational therapy can increase range of motion in hands, and help them to use assistive devices such as grab bars in the bathtub. Basically, it helps them to do daily “occupations” in the home. Many occupational therapists who come into the home will evaluate the need for a different type of bed, raised toilet seats, and equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs. This type of therapy is especially advantageous for seniors experiencing the following:

Recovering from stroke

Are at risk for falling

Need help adapting the home for safety reasons

Early stages of memory loss

Like physical therapists, these types of therapists work with the patient to set up a treatment plan and attainable goals. It can be very common to have both a physical and occupational therapist come into the home.

Of course, no two patients and their situations are going to be exactly alike. The advantage of having a physical and/or occupational therapist come into the home is so that they can assess the patient and their needs to recommend appropriate treatment options.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care services, please contact the caring staff at TRUMARK HomeCare of Des Moines, IA. Call today: (515) 619-5225.